John Byrne’s hurling career spanned over 20 years from 1964 to 1986, which is some achievement for one man.

In every game he played in, he gave 100% in whichever position he participated in, which was usually at midfield or in the half-forward line. He was outstanding. John was one of those players who was capable of performing well in any role he was entrusted with. In all those illustrious years playing with St. Brendan’s, Craanford, he never seemed to have an off day. He never felt inferior to any opponent, no matter how high their reputation was that they brought with them into the game. John’s indomitable spirit, courage, and determination stood to him in great stead in all of his games. The intensity of his hurling never waivered.

He was born in 1944 and was educated at Monaseed N.S..

His Boyhood Hero was – Nickey Rackard R.I.P..

The best goalie he has seen in Wexford Hurling was – Damien Fitzhenry.

His first game playing with – St. Brendan’s, Craanford – was in 1964 and 22 years later in 1986, he lined out for the last time for his beloved club.

The four greatest Hurlers he has ever seen were – Eddie Keher (Kilkenny), Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny), Nickey Rackard (Wexford) R.I.P. and Tony Doran.

The greatest Footballer he has ever seen was – Mick O’Connell (Kerry).

In the last 40 years, the Wexford Hurlers that impressed him the most were – Tony Doran, Mick Jacob Snr., Martin Quigley (Rathnure), George O’Connor (St. Martin’s) and Larry O’Gorman (Faythe Harriers).

The Craanford Hurlers that impressed him the most over the years were – Pat Poole, Mylie Donohoe, Dan Kenny R.I.P. and Davy Doyle.

The two best dual players he has seen outside of Wexford were – Ray Cummins (Cork) and Des Foley (Dublin) R.I.P..

In Wexford, he selects – Phil Wilson (Ballyhogue) and Martin Quigley (Rathnure) – as tops.

One of the greatest games of hurling he has seen was the 1996 Leinster Senior Hurling Final between – Wexford vs Offaly.

With Craanford, John won – 1 Co. Junior Hurling Medal in 1968 and 1 Co. Intermediate Hurling Medal in 1970. He won – 4 Gorey District Junior Hurling Medals in 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1968.

The four most difficult opponents he encountered while playing with St. Brendan’s, Craanford were – Thomas Kenny (Askamore) R.I.P., Pat Cullen (Ballyfad), Denis Howell (St. Patrick’s) and Tom “Pudding” Doyle (Naomh Eanna).

One of John’s finest games playing with his club was vs Cloughbawn in the 1968 Co. Junior Hurling Semi-Final. In this game, he was outstanding, flawless, fearless and forceful and was unyielding and resolute against all comers who tried to curtail him. He was prepared to harass and fight for every ball to see his club over the line.

One of the greatest club teams he has seen in Wexford in hurling were the – Buffers Alley Teams – from the late 70’s well into the 80’s.

The two best full-backs he has seen were – J.J. Delaney (Kilkenny) and Darragh Ryan (Wexford).

The two best centre halfbacks he has seen were – Mick Roche (Tipperary) R.I.P. and Seanie McMahon (Clare).

The two best centre fields he has seen were – Phil Wilson (Ballyhogue) and Frank Cummins (Kilkenny).

The two best full forwards he has seen were – Tony Doran (Wexford) and Dan Shanahan (Waterford).

Of the present-day hurlers, the one’s that impressed him the most were – T.J. Reid (Kilkenny), Richie Hogan (Kilkenny), Ciaran Buckley (Kilkenny), Joe Canning (Galway), Seamus Callanan (Tipperary) and Liam Rushe (Dublin).

The best individual performance he has seen was given by – Seamus Callanan vs Galway – in the 2015 All Ireland Hurling Final.